Is there any state where open carry is illegal?

2DaMtns · May 6, 2009, 07:40 PM

I am considering a long road trip most of the way across the country and could venture into as few as 6 or as many as 20 states. I am going by myself if I do it and will definitely be carrying in some capacity. Are there any states that do not allow open carry?

hoytinak · May 6, 2009, 07:45 PM

It's illegal in Texas...unless you're on your own property, out hunting or a comissioned security officer on duty.

pacerdude · May 6, 2009, 07:50 PM

In Georgia I think it is up to the individual municipalities as to if you can open carry. Also I believe its illegal in Illinois. Have a good time though.

poc1 · May 6, 2009, 07:52 PM

it depends on if you are talking about open carry with a permit or without. In Tn its ok to carry open with a permit. But if you don't have permit don't even think about it. By the way great to be back I used to post years ago before the site was shut down. Its good to be back lurking haha.

wdelack · May 6, 2009, 07:55 PM

Texas does have a "traveling" law that allows one to carry in your automobile. However some municipalities (Houston for example) choose to ignore this law

.

2DaMtns · May 6, 2009, 08:00 PM

I would carry primarilly in my car. But as a subsidiary question, do you think a LEO in a state in which I am not a resident would be more lenient/understanding if I carry in their state, or would they be harder on me since I am more familiar with carrying guns and such?

Trooper Tyree · May 6, 2009, 08:09 PM

Oklahoma is very restrictive about open carry if I recall correctly. Concealed with a permit is fine, just not open.

poc1 · May 6, 2009, 08:16 PM

I wouldn't count on it. And as far as being understanding about your situation just remimber that cop doesn't know you from Adam. If I were driving through a state that I was not sure of I would obey the law and keep my peace undercover.
If I happened to be stopped I would smile and say yes sir or whatever and move on.

emtgunnut23 · May 6, 2009, 08:18 PM

Illinois is a terrible state for carry laws. No open or concealed carry, unless your in law enforcement.

rjrivero · May 6, 2009, 08:21 PM

Ohio allows open carry. When they were debating weather or not to allow concealed carry, the 2nd Amendment backers marched in Columbus with their guns carried open.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2DaMtns

I would carry primarilly in my car. But as a subsidiary question, do you think a LEO in a state in which I am not a resident would be more lenient/understanding if I carry in their state, or would they be harder on me since I am more familiar with carrying guns and such?

"Ignorance of the Law is no excuse."

darkgael · May 6, 2009, 08:49 PM

New York, I believe. And New Jersey, too.

tulsamal · May 6, 2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Oklahoma is very restrictive about open carry if I recall correctly. Concealed with a permit is fine, just not open.

You got that right. I _thought_ it was OK to open carry when walking dirt roads far from any town. The deputy sheriff put me face down in the gravel while pointing his Glock at me for it. His way of showing me the error of my ways. I was about 75 yards from my house and ten feet from my fenceline. Didn't matter! As you might guess, I'm still mad about it!!

The whole gory story is here: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...threadid=80795

Gregg

pendennis · May 6, 2009, 09:12 PM

Michigan and Kentucky both allow open carry. It doesn't mean you won't get stopped by the cops, however.

**OldMarksman** · May 6, 2009, 09:18 PM

Up to local governments in MO, and illegal in most populous counties. There is no central reference file.

Mello2u · May 6, 2009, 09:19 PM

http://opencarry.org/

This site might have the info you are looking for.

From their map, it looks like you would have trouble in over half of the states.

RevDerb · May 6, 2009, 10:03 PM

Remember if you are open carrying without a CCW, as soon as you enter a vehicle with an open carried handgun, it becomes concealed and therefore belongs unloaded and in the trunk.

fast-eddie · May 6, 2009, 10:52 PM

In Washington State it's legal. Vancouver, Wa and serounding counties.

FrontSight · May 6, 2009, 10:57 PM

NY & NJ you will be shot on sight by police

Cerick · May 6, 2009, 11:02 PM

Dont even think of carrying open or concealed in NY or NJ. Cant have it loaded in your car either. Must be seperate from ammunition. www.usacarry.com good site with interactive maps that tell you where you can and cant carry.

Stuohn · May 6, 2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Texas does have a "traveling" law that allows one to carry in your automobile. However some municipalities (Houston for example) choose to ignore this law.

wdelack- If your talking about HB 823 (your supposed to be able to carry concealed in your vehicle while "traveling") but, no one explained/defined what traveling actually meant. Then it is obsolete because the penal code for unlawful carry of a firearm was changed September 2008.

Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:

(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or

(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control.

(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which:

(1) the handgun is in plain view; or

(2) the person is:

(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic;

(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm; or

(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as defined by Section 71.01.

(a-2) For purposes of this section, "premises" includes real property and a recreational vehicle that is being used as living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or permanent. In this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters or a vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to be towed by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, and horse trailer with living quarters.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

As for the OP Texas & Illinois do not allow open carry.

jdscholer · May 6, 2009, 11:27 PM

Forget about California. jd

intheburbs · May 6, 2009, 11:40 PM

In Michigan, if you are open carrying as you walk down the street (which is legal and cannot be preempted by local municipalities), then get into a car, you are now carrying concealed and better have a permit. If you don't have a permit to carry concealed, the gun must be unloaded and cased and inaccessible by passengers, blah, blah, blah.

Might want to check other states on that.

knight0334 · May 7, 2009, 09:58 AM

If you venture into PA, unlicensed OC is legal on foot, except you need a LTCF or a reciprocal license to OC or CC in a City of the First Class(Philly).

To have a "firearm" (handgun , SBS, SBR) in a vehicle whether loaded or not while in PA - you have to have a LTCF or a license from ANY state. If you are passing through PA in a direct manner, you can do so unlicensed under the FOPA provisions. Travel off the beaten path and state laws will apply.

moga · May 7, 2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacerdude

In Georgia I think it is up to the individual municipalities as to if you can open carry. Also I believe its illegal in Illinois. Have a good time though.

I'd like to point out that this is entirely untrue. Firearms legislation is preempted in Georgia by state law. Local municipalities are not permitted to make up rules regarding gun ownership or carry that must be followed in their municipal areas separate from those laws passed in the General Assembly. Open carry is perfectly legal all across Georgia. Many, many people open carry every day in the peach state, including in the city of Atlanta.

In addition to the states that have been identified by others, I'm equally positive that OC is NOT allowed in FL by a licensed carrier.

BlueTrain · May 7, 2009, 10:26 AM

Judging from the map of the open carry states, California is more liberal than Texas, but you expected that, didn't you.

May 6, 2009, 07:40 PM	#1
2DaMtns Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Posts: 457	Is there any state where open carry is illegal? I am considering a long road trip most of the way across the country and could venture into as few as 6 or as many as 20 states. I am going by myself if I do it and will definitely be carrying in some capacity. Are there any states that do not allow open carry?

May 6, 2009, 08:18 PM	#9
emtgunnut23 Member Join Date: November 24, 2008 Location: Bloomington/Normal IL Posts: 46	Illinois is a terrible state for carry laws. No open or concealed carry, unless your in law enforcement. __________________ All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

May 6, 2009, 08:49 PM	#11
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	open New York, I believe. And New Jersey, too. __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

May 6, 2009, 09:19 PM	#15
Mello2u Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,424	http://opencarry.org/ This site might have the info you are looking for. From their map, it looks like you would have trouble in over half of the states. __________________ NRA Life Member - Orange Gunsite Member - NRA Certified Pistol Instructor "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that justifies it." Frederic Bastiat

May 6, 2009, 10:03 PM	#16
RevDerb Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 46	Remember if you are open carrying without a CCW, as soon as you enter a vehicle with an open carried handgun, it becomes concealed and therefore belongs unloaded and in the trunk. __________________ *"... and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."* (Luke 22:36b) Ruger GP100 .357 , Ruger SR9, Ruger SR40c, Ruger LC9, Ruger LCP, S&W 22a, Marlins, Henry .22 and a shotty. NRA, USN, Viet Nam Era Vet

May 6, 2009, 07:45 PM	#2
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	It's illegal in Texas...unless you're on your own property, out hunting or a comissioned security officer on duty.

May 6, 2009, 07:50 PM	#3
pacerdude Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 607	In Georgia I think it is up to the individual municipalities as to if you can open carry. Also I believe its illegal in Illinois. Have a good time though.

May 6, 2009, 07:52 PM	#4
poc1 Junior Member Join Date: May 6, 2009 Location: USA Posts: 4	it depends on if you are talking about open carry with a permit or without. In Tn its ok to carry open with a permit. But if you don't have permit don't even think about it. By the way great to be back I used to post years ago before the site was shut down. Its good to be back lurking haha.

May 6, 2009, 07:55 PM	#5
wdelack Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2005 Location: Houston, TX. Posts: 439	Texas does have a "traveling" law that allows one to carry in your automobile. However some municipalities (Houston for example) choose to ignore this law.

May 6, 2009, 08:00 PM	#6
2DaMtns Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Posts: 457	I would carry primarilly in my car. But as a subsidiary question, do you think a LEO in a state in which I am not a resident would be more lenient/understanding if I carry in their state, or would they be harder on me since I am more familiar with carrying guns and such?

May 6, 2009, 08:09 PM	#7
Trooper Tyree Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2009 Posts: 167	Oklahoma is very restrictive about open carry if I recall correctly. Concealed with a permit is fine, just not open.

May 6, 2009, 08:16 PM	#8
poc1 Junior Member Join Date: May 6, 2009 Location: USA Posts: 4	I wouldn't count on it. And as far as being understanding about your situation just remimber that cop doesn't know you from Adam. If I were driving through a state that I was not sure of I would obey the law and keep my peace undercover. If I happened to be stopped I would smile and say yes sir or whatever and move on.

May 6, 2009, 09:12 PM	#13
pendennis Junior member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 572	Michigan and Kentucky both allow open carry. It doesn't mean you won't get stopped by the cops, however.

May 6, 2009, 09:18 PM	#14
OldMarksman Staff Join Date: June 8, 2008 Posts: 4,022	Up to local governments in MO, and illegal in most populous counties. There is no central reference file.

May 6, 2009, 10:52 PM	#17
fast-eddie Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2009 Location: Tigard Or, Posts: 342	open In Washington State it's legal. Vancouver, Wa and serounding counties.

May 6, 2009, 10:57 PM	#18
FrontSight Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Posts: 1,712	NY & NJ you will be shot on sight by police __________________ To kill something as great as a duck just to smell the gunpowder is a crime against nature. - Alan Liere Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. - George Bernard Shaw

May 6, 2009, 11:02 PM	#19
Cerick Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2008 Location: 973, NJ Posts: 345	Dont even think of carrying open or concealed in NY or NJ. Cant have it loaded in your car either. Must be seperate from ammunition. www.usacarry.com good site with interactive maps that tell you where you can and cant carry.

May 6, 2009, 11:27 PM	#21
jdscholer Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 1,197	Forget about California. jd __________________ "We're all dummies, just in different ways." Old Okie Philosopher

May 6, 2009, 11:40 PM	#22
intheburbs Junior Member Join Date: July 30, 2008 Posts: 1	In Michigan, if you are open carrying as you walk down the street (which is legal and cannot be preempted by local municipalities), then get into a car, you are now carrying concealed and better have a permit. If you don't have a permit to carry concealed, the gun must be unloaded and cased and inaccessible by passengers, blah, blah, blah. Might want to check other states on that.

May 7, 2009, 09:58 AM	#23
knight0334 Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2006 Location: Brookville, PA Posts: 442	If you venture into PA, unlicensed OC is legal on foot, except you need a LTCF or a reciprocal license to OC or CC in a City of the First Class(Philly). To have a "firearm" (handgun , SBS, SBR) in a vehicle whether loaded or not while in PA - you have to have a LTCF or a license from ANY state. If you are passing through PA in a direct manner, you can do so unlicensed under the FOPA provisions. Travel off the beaten path and state laws will apply.

May 7, 2009, 10:26 AM	#25
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	Judging from the map of the open carry states, California is more liberal than Texas, but you expected that, didn't you. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.